The Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure has opened its new rainforest section this summer, expanding the offerings at the destination’s first aquarium. The recently unveiled area features a variety of mammals and exotic birds, including toucans, sloths, otters, and tamarins. The 55,000 square-foot facility, which began operations last year, now houses more than 50 exhibits. Among these are a 110,000-gallon shark exhibit and a 10,000-gallon stingray touch pool that remains popular with visitors. Updates regarding the official opening date of the rainforest portion will be posted on the aquarium’s website and social media channels.
The Marine Science Center has also reopened to the public after undergoing $4.2 million in renovations that started last September. Closed for about nine months during construction, the center resumed operations on June 24 with enhanced marine exhibits, expanded educational spaces, and improved visitor amenities. The new features are intended to increase public understanding of marine ecosystems.
Additionally, the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Home & Gravesite is once again open following two and a half years of restoration work. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, it serves as both the home and final resting place of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune—a civil rights leader and founder of Bethune-Cookman University. The site contains artifacts and photographs documenting visits from notable figures and U.S. presidents and is located on the grounds of Bethune-Cookman University.
